Brooklyn Nets: Deron Williams Holds Court During Opening Home Stand

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

Opening Home Stand: 3-1

Atlantic Division

Toronto Raptors    5-1

Brooklyn Nets      4-2

Boston Celtics       3-3

N.Y. Knicks          2-5

Philadelphia 76rs  0-6

BROOKLYN NETS: Flatbush got their 1st look at the new and improved Deron Williams.  He averaged 21 points and 7 assists during the four game home stand, highlighted by 29 points against Knicks.

Brook Lopez Earns Coach Hollins' Attention

The Nets improved to 4-2 with Sunday afternoon's 104-96 victory over the Orlando Magic.

It marked the 5th time in 6 games the Nets scored above 100 points, and 5th time in 6 games they've held their opponent below 100 points.  They are averaging 104.6 ppg, and allowing 98.1 ppg.

The Nets were led by Bojan Bogdanovic's 22 points in Sunday's victory over the Magic.  Mason Plumlee turned in a double/double off the bench with 12 points and 10 rebounds in 16 minutes.

Deron Williams scored 18 points in a game high 41 minutes.  He and Kevin Garnett tied with a game high 7 assists.

Brooklyn out-rebounded Orlando 45-31, outscored them in the paint, and cleared a path to the free throw line.

In Friday's East River showdown against the New York Knicks at Barclays Center, Deron Williams held court, scoring a game high 29 points and dishing out a likewise game high 6 assists in Brooklyn's 110-99 victory.  Deron was an efficient 10/15 from the field and 2/3 from beyond the arch.

Brook Lopez tied (with Knicks Quincy Acy) for game high with 9 rebounds and scored 20 points.   Joe Johnson also contributed 18 points towards the cause.

Overall, the Knicks outscored the Nets in the paint, out-rebounded them, and had more assists, but Brooklyn shot 51.4% from the field, while the Knicks lagged at 41.1%.  The Nets were particularly effective from 3-point range, shooting 14/24, for 58.3%.

It was the Knicks 3rd straight loss.  No player struggled more than Carmelo Anthony.  He was limited to 19 points, on 5/20 from the field in a game high 36 minutes.

Brook Lopez Getting Schooled On The Euro:

Brook Lopez caught Coach Hollins' attention last Wednesday when he was outplayed by Minnesota's Nikola Pekovic (16 points, 11 rebounds), particularly late during the Nets 98-91 meltdown.  It was only Brook's second game of the season.

Lopez then bounced back with a physical performance against Jason Smith and the Knicks, and posted a near double/double.  However, Sunday's battle of centers went to Orlando's Nikola Vucevic, who dropped a game high 27 points and grabbed a game high 12 boards.  Brook Lopez was limited to 12 points and just 5 rebounds.

How Do You Like Me Now?

After surgery to both ankles, here are the early returns: In 6 games, Deron Williams is averaging 19.8 points and 7 assists per game, and is shooting 47.3% from the floor.

Over his career, he has averaged 17.5 ppg and 8.7 assist, with a 45.3% FG average.

He was a 47% shooter with Utah, but has only averaged 43% with the Nets.  After posting just a 41% average in 2011-12 (New Jersey's final season), he improved to 44% in 2012-13, and to 45% last season.  His career best came in 2007-08 at age 23 with Utah, when he posted a 51% FG average.

Deron Williams will turn 31-years old in June 2015.  He is beginning his 4th full season with the Nets and his 3rd in Brooklyn.

In New Jersey's last season, Deron averaged 21 points and 8.7 assists in 55 games.  First one, then two ankle injuries clearly took their toll.  He averaged 18.9 points and 7.7 assists in 2012-13, then fell to 14.3 points and 6.1 assists last season.

In 4 games during the now concluded home stand, Deron averaged 21 points and 7 assists per game.



Mike

PIGSKIN 2014: Football Sunday - Week Ten

PIGSKIN

Football Sunday

Week Ten

RESULTS

Week One 

Week Two 

Week Three 

Week Four 

On Vacation 

Week Six 

Week Seven

Week Eight

Week Nine

Scoreboard:

Week Nine Record:  6-6
Overall Record:  57-45-2
Schmear of the Week:  5-3
BAGELS in the Basket:  +16

Coin Toss:

• Will Marc Sanchez win his first start for the Eagles on MNF?

1st and Ten:

• Here come the Steelers!

2nd and Long:

• The Giants are in for a very long second half of the season starting in Seattle against the Seahawks.

No Gain:

• You can't punish a guy for the same crime twice, can you?  Well, there's real life, then there's the NFL and sports in general.  We're going to find out.  But the C'mish already blew it.

PUNT!

• Woody Johnson..., take control of your damn team man!

Week Ten:

Friday Line ~ NYDN

Steelers -5 (JETS)

In the name of Eric Mangini, the Jets have allowed the most points in the NFL!  Even the Jaguars allowed one fewer.  What the hell does Las Vegas know that we don't?  Over the last 2 weeks, Big Ben has thrown 6 TD passes, while the Steelers have scored damn near 100 points.  Yet, Sin City says the Jets will stay within 2 field goals - how odd.
Loss; 20-13 Jets    WTF!

SEAHAWKS -9 (Giants)

I know the Seahawks have struggled (by their standard), but this is going to be ugly.  I truly believe the Giants will lose by at least 20 points.  They may even get shut out.  When it rains, it pours, ya know....
WIN; 38-17 Seahawks

Cowboys NoLine (JAGUARS)

It's funny how Bill Belichick refuses to offer even the slightest clue regarding injuries, yet Jerry Jones proclaims throughout the land that Tony Romo will start with 2 broken bones in his back.  I'll still take the Cowboys to win straight up.
WIN; 31-17 Cowboys

Dolphins +3 (LIONS)

Game of the Week!  The Dolphins are rumbling, while the Lions are.....curious.  Both teams are playing well defensively, but the Lions lack discipline.
Loss; 20-16 Lions

Chiefs -2 (BILLS)

The Bill have seemingly been winning with smoke and mirrors.  Seems the time is right to get exposed.
WIN; 17-13 Chiefs

SAINTS -4 1/2 (49ers)

A battle of two 4-4 teams.  Go with the Power of the Dome.
Loss; 27-24 49ers  O.T.

RAVENS -9 1/2 (Titans)

The Ravens will take out 2 weeks of frustration against the inconsequential Titans.
WIN; 21-7 Ravens

BUCS +2 1/2 (Falcons)

This week's Toilet Bowl.  Here's to forging a tie for last place, Prost!  The Bucs have yet to win a game at home.  Maybe the sun shines on them this week.
Loss; 27-17 Falcons

Broncos -11 1/2 (RAIDERS)

This rivalry sure isn't what it used to be.  What a shame.  It used to be one of the greatest in the NFL. Did I mention the Raiders are without a victory?
WIN; 41-17 Broncos

CARDINALS -7 (Rams)

I'm still so high on the Cardinals.  Light up.
WIN; 31-14 Cardinals

PACKERS -7 (Bears)

The thinning Bears will find no salmon in Wisconsin neither.  It's gonna be a long cold winter.
WIN; 55-14 Packers

Schmear of the Week: (5-3) 

Packers -7
WIN

Guten Appetit: A mix of Buffalo and Parmesan chicken wings; green salad, potato salad, macaroni salad, home made onion rings, baked beans, fried zucchini sticks, and plantains with a red pepper and garlic dipping sauce - served between noon and 7:30pm.  So what's on your Football Sunday menu?

Good luck, and have a Happy Football Sunday everyone!

Post Game:
Week Ten Record:  7-4
Overall Record:  64-49-2
Schmear of the Week:  6-3
BAGELS in the Basket:  +22

Mike

Fighting For The Window Seats: Knicks vs. Nets - I

From the desks of:  

DUTCH PANTS CAN'T JUMP and THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH



Crosstown Traffic

TONIGHT
New York Knicks
vs.
Brooklyn Nets
from
BARCLAYS CENTER
Flatbush Avenue

They're two New York City teams perhaps waiting for the same crosstown bus.

Both teams need direction.

One team adopted a triangle, while the other is seemingly going in circles.

Considering the Nets made the playoffs last season and the Knicks did not, Phil Jackson is clearly a huge step forward for the Knicks while Billy King arguably orchestrated a big step backwards.

But it's too early for either team to really say for sure.

They both generously sprinkled years worth of draft picks throughout the NBA.

They're both led by new head coaches, and both teams have renewed confidence in their premiere player.

But when you get down to it, both are still riddled with question marks.

Both actually enter Friday's game somewhat more humbled than in the past two years.

However, when the bus pulls up, at the very least there will be a fight for the window seats.



Mike

N.Y. Yankees: A-Rod Should Quietly Exit Stage Left And Disappear

From the desk of:  BLAME CARLOS MAY

Don't look now, but Dumb And Dumber-2 suddenly has competition at the box office.  

Loosey Goosey-2 has just been released, once again featuring Stupid as the main character.

New York Yankees: The best part of Derek Jeter's final season and triumphant send-off was that Alex Rodriguez was nowhere around to pollute the atmosphere.

My father called it cara sin sangre, or, face without blood - the ability to shamelessly lie through your face with the greatest of ease.  A very pretty face in Alex's case and the ability to speak well made him the perfect actor.

Attention shoppers, this is just my opinion:

First, an unfortunate refresher:

2009 (ding! ding! ding!) - Remember when A-Rod took us all for a lighthearted trip down memory lane?  How he was made to revisit those loosey goosey times had with Cousin Yuri during his playing days in hot Texas; when they were both young and inexperienced and stupid....

And that for all they knew they, weren't even administering the juice correctly...?  That's comical.

• By the way, the Spanish translation for cousin, is primo,  and it just so happens that Primobolan (in addition to testosterone) is the stuff he got caught using (then).

After lying to Katie Couric on TV, he got outed by Sports Illustrated, and had no choice but to admit steroid use between the years 2001-2003.

Now, here's the punchline - It was during Alex Rodriguez' apology that he begged all to judge him by what he did from that moment forward.

Remember?

Therefore, today, he's a complete joke.

At this point, how can the tabloids, TV, talkies, or otherwise, in right mind concern themselves with how A-Rod (the player formerly known as Alex Rodriguez) can redeem himself?

Are we really that forgiving a society?  Yeah, well, I hope so.  But in A-Rod's case, what's wrong with him spending a little time in the town stockade?  He still gets to walk away a very rich man, not that locking up his head and hands for a while makes it right.  But.....

Redemption?  I read where having a good season in 2015 and getting the Yanks back in the playoffs were good ways to start.

How insulting!  Do they really believe that?

Even in the Land of the Free (Press), his situation (depressing really, yet highly laughable) is extremely toxic.  The blatant disregard and disrespect he exhibited towards Major League Baseball, the Yankees organization and team mates, his Union, its members, and the fans, is extraordinary.

The fans?  Yes, because prior to his arrival, it was quite easy to call on the spur of the moment, and buy a pair of main level seats at Yankee Stadium behind home plate for $100 (total) for my son (the Yankee fan) and me.  That summertime pleasure effectively ended once the Yankees acquired him, and ever since fans were instead made to pay a ridiculously inflated premium to watch him cheat.

So, I can't help but ask why, WHY, why protect (or enable) him further?

C'mon, he's earned over well $300 million dollars over his career, and will never have to work another day in his life.  No one is taking that away from him. God Bless America, ya know.  So what's the harm in some old fashion Pilgrim style finger pointing and ridicule?  After all, Thanksgiving is right around the corner.

Barry Bonds was made to testify under oath, and admitted that he perhaps unknowingly administered himself with steroids "thinking" it was flax-seed oil, etc.  Riiiigght!  Outside of that, where was Bonds' counter measure slander/libel lawsuit in response to the book Game of Shadows and the BALCO discoveries?  Precisely.

It's the same type fraud Alex perpetrated by going on The Fan/Mike Francesca, threatening MLB and the Yankees with lawsuits.  He continued to lie throughout the process of MLB rediscovering his appetite for FOOD and GUM from Chef Anthony Bosch's Biogenesis kitchen, yet accepted a 1-year ban (because innocent people do that).  Bottom line is Alex never followed through with the lawsuits because he couldn't risk testifying under oath.

That no longer matters.  The truth is out.  Turns out he's been outed yet again, this time through leaked DEA testimony, so says the Miami Herald.

He apparently never stopped taking steroids/HGH.

Let's assume the Yankees must still pay A-Rod even after this latest still-developing episode.  In my perfect world, Hal Steinbrenner would hand Alex a check for the remaining money owed him, and advise him to stay as far away from Yankee Stadium as physically possible, or risk arrest for trespassing.  I would also ban him for life from ever speaking about his days in pinstripes, and from ever uttering the Yankee name.

And I'm not even a Yankee fan, but unlike Alex Rodriguez, I respect what they've accomplished in well over a century of baseball in the Bronx.

In fact, looking back, the best part of Derek Jeter's final season and triumphant send-off was that Alex Rodriguez was nowhere around to pollute the atmosphere.

Three Bronx jeers then, for A-Rod.....



Mike

Brooklyn Nets: Beat It Kidd, Ya Bother Me

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

"Don't let the door hit you where the good Lord split you."

In other words - beat it Kidd, ya bother me!

BROOKLYN NETS: He's My Kinda Comrad, But A Little More Commitment Would Be Nice.

Opening night in Brooklyn saw 17,732 fans prove the Nets have earned a measure of Borough loyalty, while the team itself showed they're building staying power.

Now if Mr. Prokhorov can just reciprocate.  Not that he's done anything wrong.  I would like more assurances from him that he's committed to this team though.  To summarize, he's not actively pursuing a sale of the team, but he'll listen.  That's just being a good businessman.  But we don't necessarily have to like it.

However, what many Nets fans loved was Mr. Prokhorov basically telling Jason Kidd not to let the door hit in the ass on the way out.

Well done boss.....

The Brooklyn Nets won their 3rd straight home opener.  They defeated the depleted Oklahoma City Thunder Monday night in Barclays Center.  Tonight, they'll host the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Brook Lopez stepped on the court on Monday for the first time this season, and along with Alan Anderson scored a team high 18 points.  Mason Plumlee scored 10 and pulled down a team high 8 boards.  Deron Williams scored 17 points, played a team high 37 minutes, and distributed a game high 9 assists in the 116-85 win.

The Nets have now topped 100 points in each of their 3 games this season, averaging 107.6 points, while allowing an average of 89 ppg.

Let's see what tonight offers against the T-Wolves post Kevin Love.

TONIGHT

Minnesota Timberwolves

vs.

Brooklyn Nets

from

BARCLAYS CENTER

Flatbush Avenue

Mike

Visiting Washington Wizards Confound Sloppy Knicks

From the desk of:  DUTCH PANTS CAN'T JUMP

Tuesday Night Final

Wizards   98

Knicks     83

NEW YORK KNICKS: Washington Wizards serve up a reality check.

So far in this young season, the Bulls dismantled the Knicks.  The Knicks defeated the Cavaliers.   The Cavaliers beat the Bulls.

The hope is somewhere in the middle lies the truth about the 2014-15 Knicks.

In the pre-season, the Knicks were not expected to finish as one of the Conference's final 8 teams.

Iman Shumpert in particular got undressed by the Bulls.  But, he rebounded to play well against LeBron James, then had a strong game against Charlotte.

In addition to Shumpert's contribution, Amare Stoudemire scored 17 points and pulled down 10 rebounds.  That's significant in itself.

In addition to Melo's game high 28 points and the team's 2nd victory, the highlight of the Knicks win over Charlotte was Carmelo Anthony scoring the 20,000th point of his career.  Melo is the 15th quickest in NBA history to reach that milestone.

Congratulations.

However, I suggest he stop talking about last season.  Tyson Chandler might have deserved a parting word or two, but Mike Woodson doesn't.  Not now.

Woodson said coming in he was going to ride Melo like a mule.  Woodson learned during the previous regime, that not feeding Melo's ego (or failing to blindly utilize Dolan's newest toy) got people fired at MSG - see Mike D'Antoni.

True - under Woodson, Melo led the league in minutes played (mule) but, that's the way Melo wanted it.  So, you can't demand (or hog) the ball the way he did, then complain this season how wrong things went - not when you were the central figure of the on-court dysfunction.

I'm no fan of Melo.  I've made that quite clear over the years.  I was never a fan of his game (although he's a scoring machine), and I've never been able to clear the mental image of him sucker-punching Mardy Collins, then running away like a little b**ch.

But I give him a pass because Jim Dolan brought him here, which fit right in with the dysfunctional world he created at MSG.

Yes thing are different now.  Of course Phil Jackson has already made a dramatic impact.  Of course the atmosphere is different.  Welcome into the new era of structure at MSG, and say hello to someone with a plan.

I'm on board with Melo as a Knick, now, only because Phil Jackson is the MSG alpha-male - like Pat Riley/Dave Cheketts and Red Holzman were, once.  Coach Fisher is Phil Jackson's guy, unlike how Dolan was Melo's guy regardless of D'Antoni, Woodson, Donnie Walsh or Steve Mills.

I still don't have to like him, but I know he'll be reformed this season, and will now operate within a system (the Triangle offense), or risk being excluded from the next year's media guide.

That's fine with me, as Phil Jackson will bring order to what's been a chaotic and toxic environment, or leave if Jim Dolan pisses him off.  I like those terms.  It seemingly places Jim Dolan out of sight and out of mind.

On Tuesday night, John Wall, Nene, Paul Pierce, and the Washington Wizards entered Madison Square Garden.  They are believed to be top 8 Eastern Conference contenders.

Washington lost to the Miami Heat in their opening game of the season, then won 2 straight.

On the strength of a 32-15 3rd quarter, Washington defeated the Knicks rather handily by a 98-83 final for their 3rd straight victory.  Paul Pierce and Garrett Temple led the Wizards with 17 points each, while 4 other players scored in double-digits.

The Knicks were sloppy handling the ball evidenced by 18 turnovers.  They also only shot 37% from the field versus 48.8% for the Wizards.

Iman Shumpert led all scorers with 19 points, while Melo was limited to 18 points.  They were the only two Knicks to score in double-digits.  Amare Stoudemire only scored 6 points, but pulled down a game high 12 rebounds.

J.R. Smith led the bench with 24 minutes.  He actually led the Knicks with a scant 4 assists, but only contributed 6 points.  The Knicks only had 16 team assists which is not reflective of an effective Triangle.  It is obvious then, they miss Jose Calderon.

Meanwhile, if Melo is off, J.R. Smith in particular needs to be on.  Another inconsistent season from J.R. Smith will not due.  That is why he already is the subject of trade rumors.

In the wider picture, the Knicks showed just how much they struggle when Melo is not on his game, or on the bench for a rest.

Four games into this season, the Knicks have played 3 of the Eastern Conference's top contenders, and so far have a 2-1 record against them.

For the moment however, we're still trying to figure out how they'll stack up.




Mike

N.Y. Giants: Perry Fewell'd Rage

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

House of Blues

Monday Night Failure:

Colts   40

Giants 24

NEW YORK GIANTS FOOTBALL: Big Blue's season is bleeding blood red after taking a horseshoe to the jaw.

Giants Battling The Law Of Diminished Returns.  Tom Coughlin has never been this subdued. The talent hasn't been this thin since Dan Reeves was coach.  Not coincidentally, that was the last rebuilding period.  It's now time for the next rebuilding.

On the heels of Sunday's Cowboys loss (vs. Arizona), the only ones who didn't see Monday night's debacle coming were love blind Giants fans.

Sorry, but it's over Johnny.  The weeks and recent seasons of denial are done.  Monday night was not just a supremely poor performance.  Instead, Monday night's game was an indictment.

The Giants were losing 37-10 after three quarters en route to a 40-24 final score.

There were three main reasons for that: the offensive line allowed 3 sacks and failed to create even the faintest glimmer of daylight for Andre Williams; Eli Manning's receivers were flat out amateurish, if not incompetent, and Perry Fewell's defense is an ongoing joke.

Perry Fewell's defense allowed over 40 points, and over 400 yards of offense.  The MNF crew informed us that the Giants hadn't allowed 40/400 at home since 1948 against the (then) Chicago Cardinals.

The fault is not necessarily attributable to the talent at his disposal.  Far tooooo often, the defense looks completely lost.  THAT is an old, recurring problem under Perry Fewell since the days of Corey Webster and Aaron Ross (again, no knock against them).

The major fault is with Fewell's damn systems.  The Giants recovered in time to win Super Bowl XLVI because he had no choice but to simplify an unnecessarily layered and overly reactive system.   After that, the secondary played shutdown football.  Fewell has not learned his lesson though.

Yes, the secondary can only cover receivers so long - a pass rush would be nice.  I know.  But that does not explain the complete breakdown we witness time and again.  The depth Michael Strahan, Osi, Justin Tuck, and even Chris Canty provided is gone.  Jason Pierre Paul is alone in that respect.   Strahan at least had Keith Hamilton by his side during his early years.

You do not have to respect Ray Lewis, but, he was a great linebacker and someone who knows defensive philosophy, scheming, application and execution.  After the game, he lambasted the Giants defense, and it was well deserved.  And Lewis may not be the best ("FREAKIN") guy behind a microphone either, but it was high time someone told it the way it needed to be said.

Wanting Perry Fewell fired is hardly a knee jerk reaction to last night's game, last week, or this season.  It's an accumulated opinion formed throughout his body of work as Giants DefCo.  That said, it's time to fire Perry Fewell.

That's a first for this blog with regards to any coach or coordinator.

Moving on....

You can thank much of the positives regarding Monday's game to Eli Manning - yes.

Among the offensive highlights:

• An equal number of 1st downs; more total plays than the Colts; an equal number of drives; relatively equal yardage (443 vs. 438) gained; Eli throwing for slightly more yardage (349 vs. 345) than Luck; just 9 less yards rushing than the Colts.

We get it.  But hey, Big Ben and the Steelers scored 51 points against the Colts (and won).  Just saying....

Recall how Giants veterans were made to endure Eli Manning's first few years.  Eli is now being made to survive what should have been his most formidable years.  He went from playing behind what was arguably the best offensive line in the NFL, to what is arguably one of the NFL's worst.

Eli once had reliable receivers like Steve Smith, Plaxico Burress, Amani Toomer, Hakeen Nicks, and even Domenik Hixon, Mario Manningham, etc., and of course, the injured Victor Cruz.  But it's been a far more harrowing world throwing to the likes of Ramses Barden, Jerrel Jernigan, Preston Parker, Rueben Randal, Odel Beckham Jr. etc., etc.

The revolving door of tight ends has been equally frustrating, and debilitating.

I've said it a bunch of times already - the Giants suffer personnel issues.  We squeezed out a 2nd Super Bowl with the old crew.  Since then, the roster around Eli has deteriorated.  Injuries have taken their toll on the Giants, for sure, but as much as Jerry Reese tried, the draft has failed to satisfactorily or consistently back fill team needs.

In the last five seasons, the Giants either won the SB, or failed to make the playoffs.  Now consider the overall consistency of the Packers, 49ers, and Patriots; the three main opponents during Big Blue's 2 Super Bowl seasons, and the measure of Giants success or failures.

The overall condition falls on Jerry Reese.  This is his mess to fix, or rebuild, if John Mara lets him.




Mike

PIGSKIN 2014: Football Sunday ~ Week Nine

PIGSKIN

Football Sunday

Week Nine

RESULTS

Week One 

Week Two 

Week Three 

Week Four 

On Vacation 

Week Six 

Week Seven

Week Eight

Scoreboard:

Week Eight Record:  7-6
Overall Record:  51-39-2
Schmear of the Week:  4-3
BAGELS in the Basket:  +13

1st and 10:

• The week's only head-to-head battle for 1st place = Saints vs. Panthers.

2nd and Long:

• Huge battle for 2nd place between the Ravens vs. Steelers.

No Gain:

• No Tony Romo, no victory for the Cowboys.

Punt!

• What horrible spreads!

Week Nine:

Friday Line ~ NYPost

Saints -5 1/2 (PANTHERS)

With the Saints on the road, this isn't my most confident pick.
WIN; 28-10

CHIEFS -9 1/2 (Jets)

Poor Rex....
WIN; 24-10 Chiefs

Chargers +2 1/2 (DOLPHINS)

Someone is going to win this by the hair of their chinny chin chin.
Loss; 37-0 Dolphins

BENGALS -11 (Jaguars)

Bengals pulled out a crazy victory last week, so gotta give them respect.
Loss; 33-23 Bengals

BROWNS -6 1/2 (Bucs)

Stay Away - I
Loss; 22-17 Browns

D.C Hogs +1 (VIKINGS)

Stay Away - II
Loss; 29-26 Vikings

Eagles -2 (TEXANS)

Nice match-up.
WIN; 31-21 Eagles

Cardinals +4 (COWBOYS)

I'm still high on the Cards regardless who they were playing this week.
WIN; 28-17 Cardinals

49ERS -10 (Rams)

These are one of the spreads I hate this week.  The Niners have actually allowed more points than they've scored.
Loss; 13-10 Rams

PATRIOTS +3 (Broncos)

Not in Foxboro they're not.
WIN; 43-21 Patriots

Raiders +15 (SEAHAWKS)

Until the real Seahawks stand up, I just can't turn down this many points.
WIN; 30-24 Seahawks

Ravens -1 (STEELERS)

The Steelers scored 51 points last week against the Colts last week.  I know.
Loss; 43-23 Steelers

Schmear of the Week: (4-3)

Chiefs -9 1/2

WIN

Good luck, and have a Happy Football Sunday!

Post Game:
Week Nine Record:  6-6
Overall Record:  57-45-2
Schmear of the Week:  5-3
BAGELS in the Basket:  +16

Mike

N.Y. Mets: Let The Off-Season Begin

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

NEW YORK METS: Stick Those Few Free Agent Dollars Back In The Piggy Bank, And Focus On The Trade Market.

That's a wrap; the World Series is done.  Let the off-season begin.

Mets fans however, had better prepare themselves for a quiet, dark, and cold winter.  There will be little activity to speak of, and few logs afforded by the front office for the (hot) stove.

The annual free agent period will open shortly, and here's what we need to know.

Speaking back in September with regards to improving the team through free agency, Sandy Alderson described the Mets financial situation as prohibitive.

He also went on to say, "We'll have some flexibility.  We'll be able to do some things.  We just have to see what's there."

Fair enough, because that's perhaps the most honest assessment he's rendered over the last 3 years.  In fact, I applaud his pragmatism.  Finally.

This year's free agent class. however, features no one the Mets should be pushing other teams out of the way for.  So, for Mets fans, Sandy Alderson, and ownership, there appears to be a convenient common ground this off-season.

The Mets entered 2014 with somewhere near $88 million in payroll, and finished the season slightly above $83 million.  Next season, payroll will increase whether the club likes it or not, and that's even before figuring a potential free agent.

In 2015, Bartolo Colon's salary goes up by $2 million (to $11 million), and Curtis Granderson's swells by $3 million (to $16 million dollars).

They should also expect to dole out handsome raises in arbitration to Matt Harvey, Daniel Murphy, Lucas Duda, Bobby Parnell, Dillon Gee, and Jenrry Mejia.

We can only speculate the club's plans for their remaining arbitration eligible: Ruben Tejada, Eric Young, Buddy Carlyle, and Dana Eveland.  Non-tendering them, however, does not afford the Mets sufficient relief.

• See Baseball Reference > The Mets are getting off light this season.  It will cost them roughly $20 million to retain their arbitration eligible players.  Of the current Mets, 15 will be arbitration eligible next year, and upwards of 20 by 2016.  By then, they'll potentially be paying in the neighborhood of $60 million in arbitration alone.

In 2014, the Mets finally snapped 5 straight years of declining attendance at Citi Field.  But, not by much - just barely in fact.  From a Citi Field high of 3.1 million fans in 2009, attendance steadily dropped down to 2,135,657 by 2013.  Last year, 2,148,808 fans spun the turnstiles - a modest increase of 13,151 patrons.  Again, that hardly lifts ownership's financial situation.

Lastly, (as if we fans need reminding), ownership still has massive debt issues.  Somehow, that just doesn't get talked about much lately, or to the extent their financial woes should.

O the field, what the Mets need are a shortstop, and a corner outfielder.  To be more precise, the Mets need middle of the order power - a slugger.

There are no available shortstops who fit that description, unless the Mets are foolish enough to court Hanley Ramirez.  (please don't)

The outfield market includes Melkey Cabrera, Nelson Cruz, and Michael Cuddyer - none of which particularly interests me.

Nelson Cruz at least showed he's predisposed to accepting a one-year contract.  Baltimore paid a mere $8 million for his services in 2014, and Cruz in turn led the A.L. with a career high 40 home runs.  Although outside of Camden Yards, I'm sure that home run number reverts back to his Texas averages.  However, with a one-year deal and a raise, Cruz could serve the Mets offensive needs well.

Outside of that, I'm afraid there's little else the Mets can do to impact the offense through free agency this Fall.

That said, the Mets might be better off sticking their dollars back in their pocket this off-season, and focus more on the winter meetings and the trade market.




Mike

N.Y. Knicks Show Two Different Faces In Two Nights

From the desk of:  DUTCH PANTS CAN'T JUMP

69th Season of 

Knickerbocker Basketball

NEW YORK KNICKS: In its debut, the Triangle didn't quite fit Madison Square.

No playoffs last season.

No Mike Woodson this season.  No Tyson Chandler or Ray Felton either.

Although Phil Jackson signed on late last season, and started putting his stamp on the Knicks during the off-season, the Triangle Era officially started Wednesday night and failed miserably.

The byproduct of their 104-80 defeat to the Bulls was the season's first excuse.  The Knicks played Wednesday night without Jose Calderon, who will miss the next 2-3 weeks with a strained calf.  He was brought in to execute Jackson's triangle offense.  Now they'll just have to wait.

The real problem, however, was a lack of effort.  That came out of Knicks mouths after the game,   not mine.  Someone dressed in a Knicks uniform indeed said the team quit.

No need to point fingers though.  It is better if they all understand not to say anything they wouldn't want Phil Jackson to hear.  That is now a sure way to abbreviate one's Knicks career.

Then came Thursday night's effort in Cleveland against LeBron James and the suddenly resurgent Cavaliers.

Did new head coach Derek Fisher press the right buttons?  We don't know.  But, after sleepwalking in the 1st quarter, they pulled within 2 points by the half.  The Knicks then took control in the 3rd quarter en route to a 95-90 victory.

LeBron James led all players with 43 minutes, but struggled to shoot 5/15 from the floor, with 17 points, and an uncharacteristic 8 turnovers.  He was the Cavs' third leading scorer behind Kyrie Irving's 22 and Kevin Love's 19 points.

Carmelo Anthony scored a game high 25 points and led the Knicks with 6 assists.  Quincy Acy led the Knicks with 10 rebounds.

That's it.  Until the Knicks play the Charlotte Hornets this weekend, the season is a tale of two very different games, two very different efforts (eh hem, Iman Shumpert), with very different results.



Mike

Brooklyn Nets Routed By Rebuilding Celtics in Boston

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

FINAL

NETS    105

Celtics   121

BROOKLYN NETS: Defense Calls In Sick On First Day Of Work.

Wait till the first home game, right?

Uh, no!

Deron Williams' pre-season assessment with regards to playing defense must be taken at face value.   He accused the Nets of being lazy last season.

• Lazy is defined as unwilling to work or use energy.

To watch it in application, one must look no further than game one of the 2014-2015 regular season.

The early returns are now in.  Coach Hollins' efforts to improve the defense have paid off handsomely - for Boston.

In truth, the Nets looked lethargic playing against youngsters.

The (rebuilding!) Celtics jumped out to a 32-23 1st quarter lead and never looked back.  By halftime, they owned a decisive 67-41 lead over the visiting Nets, en route to a dominating 121-105 final in Boston.

While the Nets were more proficient from the free throw line, and even out-rebounded the Celts 39-35, they also turned the ball over 20 times that contributed to 25 points the other way.

Rajon Rondo and 7 other Celtics scored in double-digits.  Boston was 49/88 (55.7%) from the floor.
Rondo also broke down Brooklyn's statuesque defense with a game high 12 assists, which helped the Celts outscore Flatbush 62-40 in the paint.

Brooklyn on the other hand was 39/80 (48.9%) from the floor (which for them is actually good).  

Off the bench, Mirza Teletovic led all scorers with 20 points.  Deron Williams led all players with 39 minutes, and led the Nets with 8 assists.  He and Joe Johnson contributed 19 points each.

In his first game as a Net, Jarrett Jake played 30 minutes off the bench and scored 11 points.

Kevin Garnett was the fifth Net in double-digits, with 10 points to go along with 6 rebounds in 23 minutes time.

Next stop for the lumbering Nets is Detroit, where they'll face the Pistons Saturday night.



Mike

Brooklyn Nets Tip-Off Season In Beantown

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

2014-2015

Regular Season Opener

TONIGHT

Brooklyn Nets

vs.

Boston Celtics

from

Beantown

BROOKLYN NETS: Billy King Facing His Most Uncertain Season On Flatbush.

The Nets won 49 games during their first season in Brooklyn.  After a horrific start last season, the Nets still managed to post 44 victories.  They finished in 2nd place of the Atlantic Division each time.

So what does Billy King's ever changing roster, and the 2014-15 Brooklyn Nets have in store this time?

• Key Losses: Shaun Livingston, Andray Blatche, Reggie Evans, Coach Jason Kidd.

• Key Additions: Jarrett Jack, Bojan Bogdanovic, Sergey Karasev, Jerome Jordan, Coach Lionel Hollins.

• 2014 Draft: Billy King has compromised the Nets draft for years to come.  Somehow, he managed to purchase the 44th overall pick (from Minnesota) guard Markel Brown, and 60th overall pick (from the 76ers) forward Cory Jefferson.

• Returning: Deron Williams, Brook Lopez, Joe Johnson, Kevin Garnett, Mason Plumlee, Alan Anderson, Mirza Teletovic, Andrei Kirilenko, and Jorge Gutierrez.

I'll start by saying this will perhaps be Billy King's most uncertain season.

His biggest worry is split between his two top players.  Deron Williams and Brook Lopez are both returning from off-season surgery, and the latter will miss the season opener Wednesday evening in Boston.

Lopez missed nearly all of 2 of the last 3 seasons with recurring foot injuries.  More so than even Deron Williams, Brook's presence on the court, or absence, factors most in Nets success, or lack thereof.  He also effectively dictates what style of play the Nets utilize (although Coach Hollins is trying to dispel that notion).  Nevertheless, the Nets open the 2014-15 campaign with front court issues.

Deron Williams had off-season surgery performed on both ankles.

The big trade with Boston didn't work out the way Billy King had hoped.  Paul Pierce is now with the Wizards, while at 38-years of age, Kevin Garnett returns for his 20th NBA season.

Andrei Kirilenko, Joe Johnson, and Alan Anderson, albeit all good players, are no spring chickens either.  Andrei will turn 34-years old in February, Joe-Jo turned 33-years old in June, and Anderson turned 32-years old this month.

There will be a huge spotlight shining upon 31-year old veteran Jarrett Jack - Billy King's big acquisition (via the Cavs) of the off-season.

Joining him will be a pair of European imports.  After a few years playing in Turkey, Bojan Bogdanovic is an NBA rookie, while Jerome Jordan is returning to the NBA after playing last season in Italy.  He was drafted in 2010 by the Bucks, and played one NBA season (2011-12) with the Knicks.

On the more familiar side of things, Mirza Teletovic and Mason Plumlee perhaps represent two of the Nets more promising players.

The grand plan ultimately circles back around Deron Williams, Brook Lopez, and Joe Johnson - the three main constants of the Brooklyn era.

Coaching on the other hand, has been far from settled.  The Nets are on their 4th coach since moving to Brooklyn.  Lionel Hollins is the new man in charge promising more team cohesion, and less isolation.  Defense remains to be seen, rebounding will pose a big problem, and forget about team speed.

The Nets competition across the river is in Phil Jackson's hands now.  They will also be contending with Toronto, Indiana, Cleveland, Miami, Washington, and Chicago makes 7 teams.

Include any other team you like, but the 2014-15 Nets season looks like it will be a battle for the 6th to 8th seed in the conference....again.

Ending the regular season between 44 and 49 victories will be quite a challenge.




Mike

N.Y. Giants: They Are What Their Record Says

From the desk of:  DO IT FOR THE DUKE

Being outdone by Jerry Jones?

New York Giants Football: John Mara makes it difficult to determine whether or not Jerry Reese is on the hot seat.

With Monday night's loss to the D.C. Hogs, the Dallas Cowboys graciously afforded the Giants one last chance at turning their season around, albeit a slim one.

Of course, good teams do not rely on their competition for creating their opportunities.  Good teams create their own situations and opportunity.

So what does that make the Giants?

At 3-4, Bill Parcells would say - you are what you're record says you are.

Their in-conference record says they are not contenders.  Losses to the Eagles and Cowboys were preceded by losses to the Lions and Cardinals.  Their two conference victories came against the lowly Falcons and Hogs, whom sport a combined 5-11 record.

Although 3 of their next 4 games are at home, they must face the COLTS, @Seahawks, 49ERS, and COWBOYS.  That's four weeks against top contenders.

The last five games:
@Jaguars
@Titans
D.C. Hogs
@Rams
EAGLES

If the Giants season didn't end in Dallas last week, it could very well be over by the time the Cowboys come to Giants Stadium.

The Giants need 5 more victories (in 9 games) in order to finish the season with an 8-8 record.

Catching up with the Eagles and Cowboys is obviously priority number one.  Otherwise, they need to keep pace with the Packers/Lions, Panthers/Saints, and Cardinals/49ers/Seahawks.

At 3-4, the Saints find themselves in the same predicament as the Giants.  But, in order for the Giants to run with the pack, they must overcome much.

This is just the very short list:

I. Offensively

• an ineffective offensive line;
• Rashad Jennings still injured;
• no tight end to speak of;
• No Victor Cruz.

II. Defensively

• no pass rush to speak of;
• Jon Beason is out for the rest of the season;
• a beleaguered secondary;
• a defensive coordinator that needs to be replaced.

Giants Football was devolving even before their Super Bowl XLVI victory.  That was just their last hurrah.  

They no longer have that stable of talent they once did (on either side of the ball) which they built primarily through the draft.  Free agency was always used to fortify the roster.

In previous years free agency indeed proved a much more effective tool as they relied on it less.   However, since their last ring, Jerry Reese has annually shuffled the deck in an attempt at keeping the team competitive during Eli Manning's remaining years.  There's the rub.  If it weren't for Eli, a full blown rebuilding would be in order, lest we forget Manning was a rookie on a very veteran team.  

That said, Jerry Reese's reliance on free agency has increased every season since 2011.  He was clearly at his most aggressive during this past off-season, and was generally commended for addressing specific needs.  Above all, he managed to purchase fan confidence heading into the 2014 season.  

At 3-2, they looked fine heading into Philadelphia.  Or, so we thought.  They got shut out 27-0 by the Eagles, and looked even worse than that.

So, the question again begged to be asked - how good are the Giants?

We should look no further than at the NFC East division leading Dallas Cowboys for the answer.   Plain and simple, Dallas' offensive line, back field, tight end, and receivers, are all superior to those of the Giants.  And it showed in a 31-21 defeat in Dallas.

That must have had Jerry Jones doing cartwheels in the hallways of AT&T Stadium.

That should have had John Mara contemplating his general manager's future as well.

During the pre-season Coach Coughlin said he had no plan on retiring.  But at this rate, this is likely his last season as Giants head coach.  The Giants are also in dire need of a change in defensive coordinators.

Giants ownership, we know does nothing hastily.  And, Reese is widely believed to be held in high esteem by the organization.  One can't help but wonder, however, if Jerry Reese will be the one making those determinations heading into next season.

As a result of their most recent defeat against the Cowboys, the Giants are now 19-20 since winning their last Super Bowl.  They only posted a  9-7 regular season that year, and followed that with another 9-7 record in 2012 before falling to 7-9 last season.

The Giants haven't fired a general manager since Wellington Mara replaced Andy Robustelli after the 1978 season with George Young.  The baton was then passed, so to say, to Ernie Accorsi, whom then passed it to Jerry Reese.

Giants history says Reese will still be calling the shots next season.  But John Mara was born into this game, and perhaps knows better than anyone when to make such a move.

Mike

Brooklyn Nets: Winds Of Change Keep Blowing Down Flatbush

From the desk of:  THE HOOPS OF FLATBUSH

2014-2015

YEAR  THREE

BROOKLYN NETS: Year Three Poised To Be Team's Most Uncertain Yet.

I smell a rat, but for as long as Bruce Ratner completes Atlantic Yards/Pacific Park (like he promised the people of Brooklyn), the phone call for Pest Control will remain on hold.

THAT is the top story if this upcoming season set to commence this Wednesday - not the team.

Ratner, a native Brooklynite, endured ten long years of litigation, ultimately bought the Nets, built Barclays Center, and moved the team to Kings County.

Of course, we knew that was only (a hook) part of his more grandiose plans for developing the LIRR yards along Flatbush Ave./Atlantic Avenue/Pacific Street.   Locally, the contentious way Ratner went about securing the property for his proposed Atlantic Yards (through city backed eminent domain) was the main issue of protest.

Fast forward to 2010 - The NBA ratified Ratner's sale of majority stake in the Nets to Mikhail Prokhorov, as well as 45% interest in Barclays Center.

Fast forward again: the first residential complex after Barclays Center finally got started at the corner of Flatbush and Dean Street, and, and..., now Bruce Ratner again wants to sell his remaining stake in Barclays Center.

All I know, is that he has a lot more building to do.  I don't care if the development is ultimately named Atlantic Yards or Pacific Park.  Just get it done.

And what of the majority Nets owner?  It turns out Mikhail Prokhorov isn't such a sure thing either.   The Russian billionaire owns 80% of the Nets.  Apparently, a portion of his stake has been under negotiation, although he would maintain controlling interest of the team.

Yes, the team....

We last left them post Game 5 elimination from the Eastern Conference semi's against the Heat.

Since then, Andray Blatche ran off to play in China, former coach Jason Kidd exiled himself to Milwaukee, and Paul "The Truth" Pierce denounced Brooklyn on his way to D.C.

Thanks for the memories guys.

Now for the recurring nightmare:

First and foremost, the Brooklyn Nets suffer Ankle Anxiety.  This occurs when the team's point guard and top paid player (Deron Williams), and the team's top scorer (Brook Lopez), continually miss games, or play ineffectively due to recurring ankle/foot injuries.

Let's speak truth; to date Deron Williams has not been the elite franchise player the Nets anticipated. And while already burdened with carrying the weight of the organization, he must now attempt to do so on two surgically repaired ankles.

Brook Lopez' situation is even more distressing.  He missed nearly all of 2 of the last 3 seasons with recurring foot injuries.  More so than even Deron Williams, Brook's presence on the court, or absence, factors most in Nets success, or lack thereof.  He also effectively dictates what style of play the Nets utilize.

Brook Lopez' status for Wednesday's season opener in Boston is now questionable.  Coach Hollins says he'll play.  Nevertheless, the Nets open the 2014-15 campaign with front court issues.

Leading the Nets will be new head coach Lionel Hollins.  He took over for Jason Kidd, who was by far Billy King's most curious venture, as Kidd turned on King by biting the hand that fed him his first NBA job.

Billy King will be hard pressed to live that down if his club falters badly this season.  Every GM is entitled to one pet project - much less two.  Lionel Hollins isn't exactly a slam dunk.  Billy King gave him a 4-year contract based primarily on his work for the Grizzlies and to a much lesser extent, his work with the Bucks.  That's not an overwhelming resume.

One must also keep in mind that Kidd took over for P.J. Carlesimo, who took over for Avery Johnson, meaning Billy King and the Nets have yet to begin their 3rd season in Brooklyn, but are now on their 4th head coach.

After last season's gross expenditure, and 2nd round elimination, I think it safe to say Billy King begins the season on the hot seat.

Now the conversation about the 2014-2015 Brooklyn Nets can start.



Mike

Today for Rising Apple - Jeurys Familia: Mets Season In Review

Here's my latest for

RisingApple.com

Jeurys Familia: Mets Season In Review

Mike

Senior staff writer/Rising Apple